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It was not a term I was used to hearing as my mother had died when giving birth to me. No one in our family had ever used the term. My father had refused to move on, loving my mother too much to think of developing a relationship with another woman.
I gave Aryana a side glance, but she looked confused, which was to be expected as a non-Italian speaker. However, she was still paying vivid attention to what Tony was saying.
“Continua.” I gestured for him to continue his explanation.
“What better way to avoid danger than living right next to danger? With their failed ploy in attempting to kidnap Aryana, there is no doubt they knew that the Don would relocate her to a safe location, hence, their second attempt earlier. Don believes there is no way they would think he moved both of you just a measly twenty minutes away.”
Hearing my father’s reasoning was easy to understand, but I did not know why he didn’t inform me.
“Why didn’t he tell me?” I questioned. It wasn’t something he couldn’t have told me.
I felt a sense of unease rise in me when I saw the inscrutable glance Tony and Marcello shared.
“What is the matter?” My tone turned sharp as my eyes flicked between my two close confidants.
“The Don didn’t tell you because he didn’t want you to worry….” I grew impatient as Marcello trailed off without getting to the point.
My heart started beating rapidly, and my throat was clogged with worry. I could not even clench my hands into fists because my palms were wet with sweat. A sense of foreboding sent chills running down my spine.
“Worry about what?” My voice lowered into a growl as I took one step forward. I could vaguely see Aryana looking worried between myself and my two confidants.
“The Don initially told you that the Saconnes would not attack again after their first attempt failed. That was why he wanted to use what was supposed to be an opportunity to move you and Aryana out of there. The move was supposed to be smooth, but as you witnessed, we were ambushed on the way.”
“And they happened to know our route. Very convenient. It’s why your father had already planned everything out, and a vehicle was waiting for us to switch to.” Marcello picked up from where Tony had stopped. “Your father had anticipated this happening because he discovered something….”
I didn’t even need Marcello to continue from where he trailed off. What he was insinuating was clear as rain.
My breathing picked up as all the pieces fell into place, and it seemed I was not the only one, for Aryana beat me to the punch before I could state what Tony was implying.
“There’s a leak in your family.”
Chapter 7
Aryana
I fought the urge to squirm as all three eyes were on me. Damn, it. I shouldn’t have spoken up. There hadn’t even been a need for me to state the obvious. It was apparent what the man had been implying.
I tried not to sigh in obvious relief when their attention shifted away. With their attention no longer on me, I used the opportunity to observe them. By how those two men watched Alexander with concern in their eyes, it was easy to see that they cared for him. Their relationship didn’t seem like the typical subordinate-boss affiliation.
I then looked at Alexander, and upon seeing the broken expression on his face, my feet automatically moved forward before I forcibly stopped myself after taking two steps. What was I thinking? I couldn’t go there and comfort him. What was our relationship that I would do such a thing? Besides, he barely spoke to or looked at me throughout our journey here. He made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with me. He wouldn’t appreciate my presence there.
But I couldn’t stop thinking about how he helped me through my panic attack earlier. He had been so gentle despite his frigid countenance. Ugh! I was confused. Should I go over it or not? When I needed help, he didn’t hesitate to help me. Still, I looked at him, contemplating whether to approach him or comfort him.
“Perché?Why didn’t he tell me? He allowed me to leave when he was in danger!” Alexander roared in anguish.
I felt sorry for him, for I could see how much he loved his father. I couldn’t even imagine leaving my father in potential danger. Yet, Alexander had to do so because of our child.
I gulped.
“He didn’t want to worry you.” The man who had shot me a mischievous smile responded.
“Fanculo!” I jumped at Alexander’s sudden outburst.
There was something in that shout, a pain behind it. I watched Alexander’s eyes, and I knew. The anger was nothing but a shield against despair. It was like a cornered wild animal attacking blindly, scared for its life, lonely, desperate. I breathed in real slow. What if nothing scared the wild animal? What if there were no consequences? Wouldn't Alexander have to calm down? Wouldn't the wild animal collapse to the ground and let the pain tumble out?
The man driving us here gave me an apologetic look, and I understood what he asked. He was politely asking me to provide them with some privacy. I wanted to run my palm down my face. I shouldn’t have had to be told. I shouldn’t have stayed for so long. I was surprised that it had taken this long before they requested privacy.
I gave an awkward smile and left the foyer, opting to go to explore the house myself. The house was neither large nor tiny. It was a comfortable size. At least it wouldn’t be possible for me to get lost while exploring the place by myself.
